Social Surveys Africa’s Community Tapestry enabled three major national representative studies for which there had previously been no reliable sampling frame. These studies for the first time measured the size and scope of the non-profit sector, the prevalence of farm worker evictions and reasons for school drop-out in South Africa. Bev Russell, CEO of Social Surveys Africa, won the prestigious Southern African Industry Award for the best contribution to research standards in Africa for her development of the Community Tapestry methodology.

What does the Community Tapestry allow you to do?

Know why: Context information for interpreting market, beneficiary and performance data and for planning new activities.

Know what to do: Framework for developing generalizable but context-specific strategies and programmes.

Who can use the Community Tapestry?

Municipal and IDP Planners to identify high and low risk areas when planning resource allocations and unrest-prevention activities

Councillors and Community Leaders to understand the nature and needs of their communities

CBOs, NGOs and community organisations to understand the nature of needs of communities; compare and coordinate with similar communities; communicate effectively with local government, funders and other stakeholders

Programme Managers of all kinds (government, NGO, corporate) when planning where to locate projects

Investors and Entrepreneurs to segment township, peri-urban and rural areas

Researchers to design a sampling and interpretation frame for difficult-to-sample populations

Insights

Bev Russell, Social Surveys CEO, presented a paper at the 9th Rural Development Policy Conference (24-25 May 2018, Durban, South Africa) entitled “Rethinking rural development planning: Mainstreaming economic development in rural communities through user-friendly...

Impacts

How can I access this?

Social Surveys Africa offers bespoke mapping and area description reports and a range of strategic advisory and research advisory services to ensure your operations and planned activities are contextually informed. For more information, contact info@socialsurveys.co.za or call 011 486 1025.